BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The China Coast Guard has busted a massive maritime cigarette smuggling ring, seizing contrabands worth nearly 1 billion yuan (154 million U.S. dollars).

During a law enforcement operation in late April, 19 suspects, as well as three vessels used in smuggling operations, were seized, according to the China Coast Guard.

(Photo: agencies)

This case marks the largest volume of contraband seized by Chinese maritime police in a single case in recent years, it added.

Investigations are currently underway.